Anyone caught spitting their chewing gum out on the pavements in Shepway will be fined, the council has warned.

A street cleaner mopping the pavements and trying to scrub off the dried gum seen in patches on the ground has been videoed by Shepway District Council.

The footage was uploaded to the authority’s Facebook page, where a firm warning was given about committing the offence.

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A spokesman said: “You may have noticed our street cleaners out this week in Folkestone, cleaning chewing gum and other mess off the pavements in Sandgate Road.

“The little grey circles you see on our pavements are chewing gum that careless and thoughtless people have dropped on the pavement for other people to step in.”

Footage: Shepway District Council

It costs £260 to hire the chewing gum removal machine each time and it takes workers two days to clear Sandgate Road up to Debenhams in Folkestone precinct.

Statistics last year revealed that 28 million Britons spend £400 million a year on gum.

Out of the 13,000 tonnes of gum that are chewed every year, an estimated 10% is spat out on to the street.

The video, which shows the trodden gum floating in puddles of water, was viewed nearly 1,000 times.

The spokesman added: “But you might not be aware that dropping gum, as well as being anti-social, also counts as littering.

“If caught, you could get fined £80. This could lead to a conviction with up to £1,000 fine. Please help keep Shepway streets tidy and clean by not dropping litter – including chewing gum.”

The street cleaning teams across Shepway sweep town centres and main shopping areas daily, but this does not remove ground-in gum on the concrete.

To report acts of littering call 01303 858660, email environmental.services@shepway.gov.uk, or write to Environmental Services, Shepway District Council, Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2QY.